What do you do to unwind *after* dancing?

[nucat78]

I've found that after a practice dance or going out to a venue, it takes me a couple of hours to "decompress". This isn't negative stress, I'm just jacked up like a runner's high or like after a good set of tennis.

Is this just a newbie thing that I'll get over? I don't like the "hangover" the next day from getting home at 1AM and not being able to sleep until 3. (Yeah, yeah, I COULD leave at 9 :p)

[danceronice]

Well, right now, I'm in my comfy robe, having a snack (oatmeal), and obviously checking e-mail and forums. Because yeah, not going to crash right away, even though I really should.

[elisedance]

Great timing nucat! I'm sitting spread out on the couch after dancing from 5 pm through to 10 (yes, with breaks when the DJ did latin or line dancing). I'm still on cloud nine after being back for 30 minutes. what am I doing to relax? well, a glass of red wine (barosso shiraz) and a cup of just defrosted salad shrimp! And, the most important ingredient - DF itself!

Actually, I'm just about 'cooked' and ready to turn in. :)

[elisedance]

hi DOI - you just snuck in there didn't you :)

[danceronice]

I R quick. (You know it's late and I've been out late when I start speaking LOLcat.)

Oh, and I turn on the TV. I"m usually home in time to catch at least some of "What Not To Wear".

[rjcbear]

Well, to day watch some pros dance and practice a little for tomorrow's heat. But usually great conversation with DW until she falls to sleep.

[Peaches]

Honestly? Smoke for a bit.

Then come inside and change clothes, D-F for a while, putter around on the 'net, and read. Sometimes I'll make myself a drink or a cup of tea and take a hot bath.

[Angel HI]

Warm cuddlies; a Disoranno, Glenfiddich, Dalmore, or Alize (cognac); an old movie. Mmm. Nice.

[MissBallroomBear]

A cup of tea while watching some of my favourite DVDs or reading a book. Sometimes go for a walk around the block if it's not too late.

[jwlinson]

Steak-N-Shake or IHOP. Have to replenish all those lost carbs :)

Then just relax at home online, jot down notes and let it all sink in (if it was a lesson) or just veg out for a bit before bed.

I usually don't get next-day dance crash. Every once in a while I do, but not usually.

[elisedance]

I usually don't get next-day dance crash. Every once in a while I do, but not usually.

'next-day dance crash'? whats that?
I suppose I don't get it (pun intended) :)

[nucat78]

'next-day dance crash'? whats that?
I suppose I don't get it (pun intended) :)

Case in point - 1.5 hour practice class last night ended at 9. I didn't fall asleep until midnight and I was wide awake at 5, although I don't feel too bad aside from scratchy eyes and a fuzzy brain so far. I'll probably fall asleep watching a DVD or TV later this afternoon.

I have a lesson in an hour and a half and I hope I can retain the content.

[elisedance]

I fall asleep at 10 am up about 2 till 6 (its getting later and later) and then sleep for 1 to 2 hrs. Maybe I have permanent next-day dance crash! :)

[etp777]

The hour ride hom on the train is a nie start, tend to zone out there. Then as ED said, glass of wine (or vodka or scotch) and finish unwinding, generally in front of tv with laptop to hit DF.

[fascination]

generally a glass of wine and a nap...or the gym

[nucat78]

...or the gym

Ah, now if I hit the weight machine in my basement, I'd just be more wired from the endorphin rush. Maybe a hot shower and a little cool down and then just go to bed, no matter how I feel. Or else I need some REALLY boring DVDs to watch.

I think I'm retaining my rumba lesson from this morning though. :D

[elisedance]

If thats not a medical condition it sound great, nucat... ;)

[samina]

what do i do to unwind after dancing... the answer seems obvious, heh... but i'll say glass of wine or a bit of tequila to be safe.:cool:

[jwlinson]

'next-day dance crash'? whats that?
I suppose I don't get it (pun intended) :)

You know, a "dance hangover." :p

[DennisBeach]

First thing I do, since we have to drive an average of 1 hour to dance. Is drive home and listen to quiet ballroom music ( waltz, rumba, bolero etc. ) during the drive home. Dancers are at different times and what comes next, depends on what time the dance ended.

[White Chacha]

Gosh, after a 4-hour social and packing up the sound gear, I'm out like a light as soon as my head hits the pillow.

[Chris Stratton]

You know, a "dance hangover." :p

Well that's easy... "hair of the dog..."

[Spitfire]

I've found that after a practice dance or going out to a venue, it takes me a couple of hours to "decompress". This isn't negative stress, I'm just jacked up like a runner's high or like after a good set of tennis.

Is this just a newbie thing that I'll get over? I don't like the "hangover" the next day from getting home at 1AM and not being able to sleep until 3. (Yeah, yeah, I COULD leave at 9 :p)

Good topic. The last few times I went out dancing I did not sleep well as I was still pumped up after it was all over. Guess I'll read after I get back and maybe get a late meal at a restaurant on the way.

[Stagekat]

The gals and I usually head out for snacks and drinks before heading home, by the time I arrive home I'm ready for sleep.

[fascination]

Well that's easy... "hair of the dog..."
:notworth:

[MadamSamba]

I usally sleep - and well! I tend to wear myself out dancing and usually fall straight into bed and have a fabulous night's sleep. There's nothing like falling asleep exhausted from having danced and danced and danced... :)

[elisedance]

MS: exactly. In fact I think the only time I actually sleep through the night is after a competition - so last night I woke up at 8 am, unheard of for me...

[Sagitta]

The gals and I usually head out for snacks and drinks before heading home, by the time I arrive home I'm ready for sleep.
I have done that...more like a late night diner and the food helps to lul me to sleep...

[Sagitta]

Just realized what I usually works is have a hot shower to clean up, then a glass of warm soy mik with nutmeg and cinnamon and cuddle up in bed. Watch a little TV and read a bit. The reading seems to gte me sleepy and soon I turn off the TV and light and go to bed. Note this does take about an hour to fall asleep, but then if you count the showering waking me up a bit and time for that it isn't bad. The hot water does relax one a bit as well...

[nucat78]

If thats not a medical condition it sound great, nucat... ;)

Retaining rumba is good.
Retaining rumbles is bad, but there are some good OTC meds for that.:p

[BM]

Well, most of the team usually practises together - we'll frequently just hang out at a local bar to detox for a while after practise, sometimes for hours upon hours . . . :)

[nucat78]

Hmmm... detoxing... in a bar... for hours and hours...

Yes! I could see that.

Bring me a Mojito every 20 minutes until I fall off my chair. Then bring me one every 10 minutes.

[lcdancesport]

Hmmm... detoxing... in a bar... for hours and hours...

Yes! I could see that.

Bring me a Mojito every 20 minutes until I fall off my chair. Then bring me one every 10 minutes.

Hmm is right :p I love mojitos! Normally I go for rum and coke though.

I usually go out with a group from the studio to get a drink and unwind. After that I head home to either watch a movie and get a small bite to eat before bed.

[fascination]

ew ew ew ...rum and coke was the first thing I ever got sick on...but a lime mojito with lots of spearmint ...now there's a treat...are you old enough for that btw?...make sure you look me up at wisconsin

[latingal]

try to unkink my poor feet.

[elisedance]

try to unkink my poor feet.

Hear you. I had to use a brand new pair of shoes for the comp on Sunday and although they were terrific, the bones in my right foot rubbed or something and I'm still hobbling. Gotta get it down for wed practice...